Category Archives: Outdoors

Nine Branson area Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake parks close Sept. 15

“Information recently received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates that they will be closing nine of their Table Rock Lake camp grounds and parks on September 15 for the 2010 season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The parks and campgrounds included are Cricket Creek, Aunts Creek, Baxter, Big M, Campbell Point, Long Creek, Moonshine Beach, Viola and Viney Creek.” She points out that the boat launch ramps at these facilities will continue to be open and that area use fees will still apply.

The same information said that that camping will be available at Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, Indian Point, Mill Creek and the Old Highway 86 parks until October 31.

Johnson points out that both of the campgrounds in the state operated “Table Rock State Park,” on Highway 165 just south of the Table Rock Dam, will remain open offering complete camping services through November. After that date and through February 2011, Camp Ground #1 will remain open except for the possibility of individual campsite water spigots being shut off during colder weather.

For additional information on camping facilities or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo in Branson

“From its shows and attractions to the Fall foliage and festivals such as Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival there is so much to see and do in Branson in the Fall,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson will have a new Fall event this year,” she said. “The  ‘Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo,’ will be at the Branson Convention Center on October 8-10.”

The “Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo” (Expo) is owned and presented by “J & M Sports Shows, LLC” (J&M). Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association and Mike Webb, of K.A.S.T (Kids are Special Too) are both principals in J& M. The Expo is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and Branson.com, Branson’s oldest continuously operated and most trafficked destination web site.

Thompson said that the Expo will consist of vendors exhibits, seminars by top hunting and fishing pros, great activities for kids and will just be a great time for those who love hunting and fishing. “We’re going to have a hundred plus vendors there such as Ranger Boats, Tracker/Nitro Marine, Phoenix Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Table Rock Lures, Ozark Knife Makers, Humminbird Marine Repair, the Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Idea Archery, Outlaw Rods , O’Reilly, Central Pro-Am Association, Missouri Water Patrol and the Missouri Department of Conservation to mention a few.

Noted hunter and outdoor TV personality Jerry Martin *

He was really excited about the level of expertise that will be putting on seminars saying, “There will be specific detailed seminars by top hunting and fishing professionals.” Although the final list of speakers is still being finalized Thompson did point out that in the area of fishing there will be seminars by professional bass fishermen Stacy King, Brian Snowden, Pete Winter, Mike Webb; fly fishing by one of the country’s top women fly fishers, Branson’s own Carolyn Parker and others. World renowned Ozark knife maker Tom McGinnis will be speaking as well as noted hunters Jerry Martin and Alan Treadwell.

Mike Webb said, “There will be plenty of activities for children too.” He said that among other things there will be face painting, balloon animals as well as a kid’s casting contest and other activities.

Thompson said there is a limited number of 10′ x 10′ exhibition booths available for the Expo. He also pointed out that the Expo will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson reminds those planning on attending the Expo of all that Branson has to offer in conjunction with the Expo. In addition to all of Branson’s  other shows and attractions there will be Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and limited engagement performances by Viki Lawrence, Ray Stevens and the Texas Tenors. “And speaking of the outdoors,” she said, “what could be more ‘outdoors’ than the spectacular foliage of the Ozarks in the Fall?”

She suggests that it would be a good idea to make advance reservations for lodging and shows and offers the free service of the Branson Tourism Center to help design your own custom made package of Branson shows, attractions and lodging in conjunction with attending the Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Water safety is important part of Branson vacation

Table Rock Lake Dam plays an important part for two of Branson's Lakes, the 43,000 acre Table Rock Lake, behind the dam and Lake Taneycomo flowing 22 miles down stream from the foot of the dam.

In a recent article entitled “Why spend Memorial Day Weekend anywhere else but in Branson?,” Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “Every weekend in Branson is special, but there’s just something about Memorial Day Weekend in Branson. Perhaps it’s because that’s the long weekend many people associate with the ‘unofficial’ beginning of summer, but one thing is for certain, there is a synergy in the air in Branson that just seems to shout, ‘Let the summer fun begin.’”

“For many families, a part of that summer fun will involve swimming, boating, fishing or other activities on one of the three beautiful lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake , that help make Branson the unique, one of a kind fun filled travel destination it is,” Miller continues. He points out that even with the recent rains, Table Rock Lake is at ideal levels for every type of water activity from boating to swimming and everything in between. This includes “Moonshine Beach,” the public beach operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, located off the north end of Table Rock Dam. It has full facilities, a sandy beach and a beautiful view of Table Rock Lake while being only five minutes drive from the famed “Branson Strip.”

Moonshine Beach is a popular public beach operated the Corps of Engineers.

“Safety, is an inherent part of water activities and helps ensure that an outing on the water becomes a memorable activity of the best kind,” Miller said. “A recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers press release reminds us of some safety tips that can ensure that happening.”

It points out that at certain times, such as major Holiday Weekends like Memorial Day Weekend, “parks, lakes and rivers will be congested” and reminds “visitors to be courteous while waiting at boat ramps, sharing beaches or traveling waterways” and to “obey signs and barricades that restrict access to any areas that are closed off.”

In addition it contained specific water safety tips in two general areas “Swimming” and “Boating:”

“Swimming:

Learn to swim.
Watch your children at all times, and put a life jacket on them.
Never dive into lakes or rivers.
Never rely on inner tubes, water wings or other toys to stay afloat.
Don’t over-estimate your swimming skills.
Reach or throw a flotation device to help someone in trouble.  Don’t go in the water!
Swim only in designated areas.
Never swim alone.

Boating:

Don’t drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
Wear a life jacket.  It’s the law for children 12 and younger and a great idea for adults.
Know your boat and know the rules of the water.
Check your boat for all required safety equipment.
Don’t overload the boat.
Check the weather forecast and flow conditions if boating on a river [Lake Taneycomo]…”

Miller says, “Our areas lakes and waterways, when used safely, are an inherent part of many people’s Branson experience and memories along with its shows, attractions, shopping and other exciting fun activities.” For additional information or tickets for lake attractions such as the Showboat Branson Belle’s dinner show cruise on Table Rock Lake, any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center. They can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Why spend Memorial Day Weekend anywhere else but in Branson?

White Water is two million gallons of water fun and excitment for the whole family.

“Every weekend in Branson is special, but there’s just something about Memorial Day Weekend in Branson,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “Perhaps it’s because that’s the long weekend many people associate with the “unofficial” beginning of summer, but one thing is for certain, there is a synergy in the air in Branson that just seems to shout, ‘Let the summer fun begin.’”

What better place than Branson, Missouri for that to happen? Pristine lakes, great fishing, boating, golfing, hiking and access to the natural beauty of the Ozarks, coupled with its live shows, attractions, shopping and activities, make Branson the most unique and one of the most fun filled destinations in the world. Factor in the it’s a long holiday weekend and some of the other exciting things happening that weekend and why would anyone want to be anywhere else but in Branson over Memorial Day Weekend?

While the vast majority of Branson attractions are already open, its biggest water park, “White Water,” opens over Memorial Day Weekend. Featuring “Kalani Towers,” a 7- story, 6- slide, thrill ride, the 12 acre attraction has more than a dozen rides, and 7,000 feet of water slides all set in a tropical theme. From play areas for toddlers to the towering “Kalani Towers” White Water offers more than two million gallons of water excitement and fun for Branson visitors and is a wonderful adventure for all ages and families.

Silver Dollar City, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this season, will be hosting its “Bluegrass and BBQ Festival” featuring succulent BBQ served with a choice of over 100 sauces and great Bluegrass music. The festival includes over 50 Bluegrass bands and groups that will be presenting hundreds of performances of both traditional and contemporary Bluegrass music throughout the park. Over 15 of these groups will be appearing over the Memorial Day Weekend including the last day of “The Grascals,” 2010 SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year, on May 28 and IBMA Hall of Fame Inductee Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press on May 31.

The father and son team of Herkimer and Cecil provide some of their unique action filled comedy at "Presleys' Country Jubilee."

The Bluegrass and BBQ Festival is in addition to everything else that the 1880s Ozarks theme park is famous for. Its 100 craftsmen demonstrating glass blowing, basket weaving, blacksmithing, pottery, candy making, candle making, and many other crafts; over 30 rides and attractions; 60 unique shops; restaurants and the award winning friendliness of its staff have been “Creating memories worth remembering” for over 50 years.

Miller points out that Branson’s full schedule of live shows features a wide variety of live entertainment for every taste. From the amazing skill and agility of the “Acrobats of China,” to the magic, comedy and ventriloquism of “Hamner and Barber” and the spectacular biblical production “NOAH the Musical,” the majority of Branson’s most popular shows, such as “Jim Stafford,” “Presleys’ Country Jubilee,” “Pierce Arrow,” “SIX,” “Liver Pool Legends,” “Twelve Irish Tenors,” “Broadway the Star Spangled Celebration,” The Spirit of the Dance,”  “The “Showboat Branson Belle,”  “Duttons,” “Rankin Brothers”, “Haygoods,” “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express,” “Hughes Brothers, ” “Dixie Stampede,” “The Platters,”  “Legends in Concert” and “The Righteous Brother Bill Medley,” will be performing.

“And those are just some of the dozens of regular Branson shows that will be open over the Memorial Day Weekend,” said Miller. He points out that in addition “The Oak Ridge Boys” and “Ronnie Reno and the Cumberland Highlanders” will be performing limited engagement appearances that weekend and that Branson’s unique Polynesian show “Island Fire,” starts its season on May 28.

From lakes, to water parks, Bluegrass, BBQ, attractions, live entertainment and fun for everyone in the family, Branson is the place to spend your Memorial Day Weekend. Miller advises advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability and the best accommodations and seating. For additional information or tickets for any of the shows or attractions mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Table Rock Lake produces big for CPAA Tournament

Beautiful, 7.34 pound Table Rock Lake bass caught by Jeremy Mabry with another bass from his 3 bag limit.

Earlier this year when asked, “Why fishermen should plan a fishing trip to Table Rock Lake this spring,” Jim Thompson, a successful local businessman who has been fishing Table Rock Lake for over 25 years said, “Because there is nothing like it anywhere. Table Rock Lake is one of the premier bass fisheries in the United States and the spring is a prime time to catch bass in large numbers and size.” He pointed out that in addition to the Largemouth and Kentucky Bass, Table Rock is also an excellent Smallmouth fishery.

Thompson is also the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA), one of the regions premier bass fishing tournament organizations. On May 1 and 2, the fishermen competing in CPAA’s Table Rock Lake Pro-Am and Team Tournaments illustrated just how accurate Thompson was and why Table Rock Lake is such a great bass fishery.

Over the two days of tournaments, 523 “keeper” bass, weighing a combined weight of 1,385 pounds and averaging 2.7 pounds each were weighed in. At the weigh-ins, fisherman after fisherman said how great the fishing was.

Thompson points out that the fish weighed in were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the total number of fish caught during the two days. He said that only fish 15 inches or longer could be kept and weighed in and that fisherman had to catch and cull quite a number of fish to get to the fish they actually weighed in.

Local fisherman, Tim Sainato from Walnut Shade, who took 2nd in the Pro-Am Tournament and won the Team Tournament with his partner, Steven Redford from Branson, weighed in a five fish limit each day. He said that on both days he had caught in excess of 30 “keepers” which he constantly culled to stay within the five fish limit and estimates his total fish count for each day to be in excess of 40 fish. He said that he positioned the boat in about 14 feet of water, threw a 4 inch Bass Pro XPS Grub into the bank and “retrieved it slowly as fast as he could” emphasizing that “Slow was good.”

Sainato and Redford won the CPAA Team Tournament and the $3,600 first place prize with a five fish limit weighing 18.03 pounds. Interestingly and somewhat unusual, their winning “bag” (limit) was composed entirely of Smallmouth Bass. Second place and a prize of $2,000 went to the husband and wife team of James and Donna Gilzow from Bella Vista AR with a five fish limit weighing 16.05 pounds.

On the Pro-Am Side, Dave Donham of Highlandville, Mo, won first place in the Pro Division and $3,500.00 with a five fish bag weighing 16.62 pounds. In the Non Boater Division Jeremy Mabry of Fayetteville, AR won the first place prize of $1,750.00 with a maximum three fish bag weighing 14.00 pounds. Mabry also won the Big Fish Prize of $350.00 in the Non Boater Division with a bass weighing 7.34, which was the biggest bass caught in the tournament.

“What a living testimony as to just how great a bass fishery Table Rock Lake is,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, an avid bass fisherman who was at both weigh-ins. “When that is combined with Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and everything else that Branson has to offer, Table Rock Lake offers a quality unique bass fishing experience not available anywhere else in the world.”